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Wheels are in motion for pump track

The wheels are in motion for the Lower Arkansas Mountain Bicycling Association's proposed pump track that soon will be available for public use.

Kristyn Econome, assistant director for LAMBA, said the pump track, that is planned to be installed in the open space north of the Arkansas River and east of the Centennial Park pedestrian bridge near the Royal Gorge Route Railroad, will be an asset to the community and will offer families a way to be active while having fun.

A pump track is a closed-circuit track consisting of berms, rollers and mounds that are spaced and shaped in such a way as to allow the rider to generate speed without pedaling, Econome said.

The name "pump track" comes from the pumping motion used by the rider's upper and lower body as they ride around the track. She said it is not a jump line or a bike park, and it's not for motorized users or for skateboards.

In addition to offering a great deal of fun and exercise, there are several benefits to the community, Econome said, including revitalizing an unused piece of City property, enhancing Cañon City's "flagship" park complex, it is free to the public, it's low maintenance and it's close to downtown, schools and tourism.

The pump track also will keep Cañon City current with other Colorado towns who have them, including Leadville, Buena Vista, Gunnison, Del Norte, Salida, Colorado Springs and Carbondale.

She said the International Mountain Bicycling Association reports that adventure tourism is the fastest growing sector in the tourism industry, with mountain biking topping the list.

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"We feel for Cañon City, that's the next big thing that's going to happen here to help continue positive tourism and the type of tourists we really want to have here," Econome said.

She said it is important to LAMBA to also install a kiddie track alongside the main track.

"We think that it's important to get the youth started when they're young," she said. "Bicycling is inexpensive, it's good for health and it's a lifelong skill that you're giving to these kids."

In addition to funding the project through member pledges, LAMBA volunteers also will help build and maintain the track.

Rex Brady, director of parks and facilities for the City of Cañon City, said the open space has plenty of room for the pump track.

"It is a joint venture between LAMBA and the city and it's in the preliminary stages now," he said. "Once the design is approved, we'll probably go ahead and start construction."

Econome said LAMBA would like to have the pump track completed by the June 21-22 Royal Gorge Whitewater Festival.

"We are happy that the city is in support of this project," Econome said.

City Council is expected to approve the design during a future meeting. For more information on LAMBA, visit "Lower Ark MBA" on Facebook.

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